SnapHawk Blog

Today, the news is full of articles about patents, acquisitions, lawsuits, and product launches all focused on one industry: mobile technology. We’re rapidly entering a period where demand for desktops and laptops is diminishing and want for tablets, smartphones, and other mobile devices is skyrocketing. The computing capabilities of mobile devices today are so advanced that you check the weather or surf the web as well as complete more complicated to-dos, like transfer money into your checking account. Mobile technology is advancing everyday, making everyone’s lives a little more convenient on a personal and business level. Here are some interesting ways that a business can maximize smartphone capabilities to grow your business.

With Apple’s iCloud.com just being released this week (currently for developers only), cloud technology will continue to be the next big thing and is clearly here to stay. According to Wikipedia, cloud computing is “the logical computational resources (data, software) accessible via a computer network, rather than from a local computer.” You may be wondering what does this mean to me? Why do I care?

How about making your life more easy and your technology more integrated? For instance, cloud technology will allow you to access your documents, contacts, calendar, photos, and any other information that you want on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc. This technology is revolutionary because users will no longer be required to install specific applications, such as a word processor, because the programs will be managed by their web browsers.

Have you ever thought about the way your office space motivates workers, promotes their creativity, or increases productivity? Twitter reinforces their bird-centric branding with designs like the one at left, and we’ve all heard of extraordinary work facilities like the GooglePlex, Facebook’s HQ, or Pixar’s campus which have revolutionized the definition for “cubicle.” Now game rooms, cafeterias, work out centers, colorful paint and super-shiny and sleek furniture are part of the mix. And don’t forget Red Bull London’s office with an enormous slide for traveling between floors. Now that’s introducing a playful vibe into the workplace!

Talk about taking branding to a whole new level. Do you think your mind would gravitate more strongly toward your company’s unique qualities, vision and overall marketing strategy if you were surrounded by physical reminders throughout your day?

Perhaps you’re not ready to make the plunge toward a totally-futuristic office design, but you want to incorporate something a little new and funky. Check out these wild and off the wall products for introducing a little zaniness into your space. You never know: it may spark more imagination than you expect!

Developing business partnerships or strategic alliances traditionally brings to mind mounds of paperwork, attorneys, and long legal documents. Also, the belief that these alliances could somehow limit flexibility can scare businesses away from developing these partnerships. However, by slamming the door on this opportunity, your firm could be missing out on a significant platform to grow your business and provide value for your clients.

Partnerships, at their most basic level, are simply a business-to-business collaboration and are only as complicated as you make them. If your business does not have a budget for intensive advertising or media campaigns, relying on free PR such as customer referrals from partnerships is a key channel for incremental business. According to the “Small Business Notes” website, companies in partnerships report that at much as 18 percent of their revenues come from their alliances...